Ukrainian Skier Quits 2014 Winter Olympics Because of Kiev Violence

Ukrainian Skier Quits 2014 Winter Olympics Because of Kiev Violence

Violence is worsening in Kiev, Ukraine, and alpine skier Bohdana Matsotska and her father Oleg announced she will no longer compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

A group in favor of the opposition posted a picture on Facebook of Oleg and Bohdana in front of the Olympic rings with this message: (Translated from page)

We, members of the National Olympic Team of Ukraine: Matsotska Bogdan and Matsotskyy Oleg extremely indignant recent actions of President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, who, instead of negotiations to resolve the conflict Square (where we had hoped to end leaving the Olympic Games in Sochi) , sank the most recent Ukrainian hopes levels. Breaking with the eternal principle of the Olympic Games – during the Peace. solidarity with fighters on the barricades Square, and a protest against gang action on protesters, irresponsible spine president and his creeping government, we give up further performances at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014.

Eternal memory to the heroes who fell for freedom in Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine and its Heroes!

Ukraine Olympic head Serhiy Bubka told Channel 5 that he was shocked to hear about the deaths from the protests. Over 20 people died in clashes between the police and protesters on February 18th.

The association asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) if their athletes could wear black armbands in honor of those who lost their lives. The IOC turned them down.

The country’s Olympic association said in a statement that it had asked the IOC if its competitors could mark the “deep pain over the loss of fellow countrymen” by wearing black armbands. “The answer was received from the IOC that in accordance with the Olympic charter it is not possible to do this.”

The IOC also turned down requests for athletes to place a sticker on their helmets that honored Sarah Burke, who died in 2010.

(Photo via Facebook)

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